"And I thank God for that," said the Countess Laure. "I have never forgot what you did for me, and——"
"Nor has the memory of your interposition which twice saved my life escaped from my mind for a single instant, mademoiselle."
"Yes, it was very fine, no doubt, on the part of both of you," said Captain Yeovil, a little impatiently, because he did not quite see the cause of all this perturbation on the part of his betrothed; "but you are quits now, and for my part——"
"What I did for mademoiselle is nothing, monsieur. I shall always be in her debt," replied the Frenchman.
"Monsieur St. Laurent," said the Marquis, turning to the other occupant of the room, "my new adjutant, Monsieur Marteau," he added in explanation, "was there not a Marteau borne on the rolls of the regiment? I think I saw the name when I looked yesterday, and it attracted me because I knew it."
"Yes, your Excellency," said St. Laurent, "he was a Captain when he was detached."
"You were on service elsewhere, Monsieur mon Capitaine?" asked the Marquis.
"I was a Lieutenant-Colonel, your Excellency."
"And where and when?"
"On the day at Arcis. Made so by"—he threw up his head—"by him who cannot be named."